Salida, Colorado - The Colorado Hospital Association (CHA), in partnership with the American Hospital Association, has awarded Ken Leisher with the 2012 Grassroots Champion Award. Leisher has served as chief executive officer of Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center since 2006.

The award recognizes hospital leaders who effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect hospitals, increase community support and serve as a tireless advocate for hospitals.

"Ken Leisher has been instrumental in encouraging rural hospital CEOs statewide to become engaged both in fundraising and political advocacy efforts," said Steven J. Summer, CHA president and CEO. "He personifies the kind of leader and role model this award symbolizes."

Leisher serves as a member of the CHA Board of Trustees and the Friends of Colorado Hospitals Board of Directors, as well as a board member for the Colorado Foundation for Medical Care. He is also a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club, a Vaquero with the Salida Chamber of Commerce, and on the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.

"Ken represents and demonstrates excellence in leadership at both the facility and industry level," said John Gardner, chair of the CHA Board of Trustees and chief executive officer of Yuma District Hospital and Clinics. "During this time of industry uncertainty, rural communities benefit from having access to leaders such as Ken."

The award will be presented at a special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the American Hospital Association Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 8, in Washington, D.C. Leisher is one of 52 individuals nationwide, one from each state, who will be honored this year.